Scriptapalooza Interviews TV Sitcom First Place Winner Kris Rasmussen
Scriptapalooza: How did you come up with your story idea?
Thank goodness for funny parents! The idea was inspired by my mom. We
happened to be watching t.v. one night at my parent's house, and it was the
King of Queens, and she mentioned out of nowhere how she and my Dad had
picked out their tombstones and really wanted me to see them because they
were so nice. So I put two and two together and wrote the script.
Scriptapalooza: How long did it take you to write it?
The first 18 pages came in a heartbeat but then it took awhile to finish the
rest of the script. Like a couple of months, I think! I knew it was a really
good premise so I stuck with it.
Scriptapalooza: Is this your first script that you have written?
No. This is only the fourth spec sitcom script I have written in the last
year.
Scriptapalooza: Have you entered other screenwriting competitions?
I entered Scriptapalooza once previously and was a semi finalist earlier this
year. I have entered some theatrical playwriting competitions previously and
won two of those, in 1999 and in May of 2001.
Scriptapalooza: Why did you enter Scriptapalooza?
Scriptapalooza seemed like one of the better competitions to enter because of
strong sponsorship and ties to specific production companies/agents. Being a
semi-annual competition helps, too.
Scriptapalooza: How did you feel when you saw your name as one of the winners?
I visited the website about a million times on the 15th waiting for the
results to be posted!!! I was surprised I won. I was just hoping to move up
to being a finalist.
Scriptapalooza: Advice to other screenwriters?
Well, if you haven't read Evan Smith's book on televison writing, you should.
I've been able to work closely with 2 or 3 other writers in the last year,
sharing scripts back and forth, and it's really helped the level of my
writing, I think. So if you can find a good group of writers to meet with and
work with, do it!
Scriptapalooza: If you could write for any TV show, which one would it be?
I'm in love with Everybody Loves Raymond and would give my right arm to write
one scene for Doris Roberts and Patricia Heaton!
Updated: 08/31/2001
Additional Contest Info: Scriptapalooza TV Writing Competition
ScriptLinks
Post Your Script Here!AT THE MERCY OF FAITH
A former preacher, haunted by the tragic rape/murder of his twin sister, spirals into darkness as supernatural forces, both angelic and demonic, wage war for his soul.
Eternal Blessings
After taking up residence at her Indian guru's commune, a woman’s loyalty is pushed to the brink when she’s asked to help assassinate a commune rival.
525 PERUGIA WAY
A troubled vice detective is pulled into a deadly game of secrets and sabotage when a clandestine meeting between Elvis Presley and The Beatles turns into a murder scene.
Osali
Osali is about a ghost of a witch who was murdered during the Salem witch trials.
Sting
Sting is about a solar flare that hits Earth in the distant future and sends the world into an apocalypse.
Arch Angel
Arch Angel is about Michael, the general of Heaven's Angel Army.
The life once lived
The life not lived is about a scientist named Doctor Conners who created a memory device called Ganesha that can allow people to remember who they were in a past life.
Out of time
Out of time is about a struggling musician who runs into a disgraced talent agent from Hollywood.
Only Human
Only human is about a homeless man that doesn't know he's really a Dog.
Sword of Might
Sword of might is about a cursed Sword that gives special abilities to whoever wields it.
